MEN’S RUGBY: Daventry edged out in low-scoring clash with Vipers

Daventry suffered a close defeat at the hands of Vipers in a closely fought contest which goes to show how close this league may be this year, writes TOM LYES.

After an impressive pre season, the Blacks travelled with confidence to Leicester but could not get their attacking game going despite a strong scrummaging effort from the pack. James Heath crossed for the only try of the game after some good work by Kev Moore and Lee Cresswell.

With the breakdown crucial the Blacks struggled to get quick ball and were punished by the boot of the Vipers fly half when they conceded penalties at the ruck.

Daventry defended superbly though throughout, scrambling well and also forcing the home side in to kicking a lot of ball.

Jake Sanderson was a constant threat on the counter attack and with the pace of fellow winger Ciaron Quinn always a threat, the counter attack looked Daventry’s best way of forcing a winner.

A missed penalty 15 minutes from time would have put the Blacks in to a two-point lead however despite a superb late counter attack lead from Connor Robson and Quinn the Blacks could not force the try they needed.

This game will certainly be a learning curve for the team and with lessons learnt the Blacks this Saturday travel to arch rivals Long Buckby.

LONG Buckby warmed up for the derbuy clash with a 22-9 defeat at Stockwood Park.